Local schools see significant increase in registration numbers By Polly Mikula Vermont’s K-12 students returned to school on Tuesday, Sept. 8, for the first time since March 15 when the governor ordered schools to close to in-person instruction. Reopening schools has been the subject of widespread debate, however, and specific plans have sparked unique challenges and…

  Mushroom hunting in Vermont provides hours of entertainment and health benefits, too By Brooke Geery A vast network of underground mycelium lies hidden in the forests of Vermont. This is, until the right combo of water and heat cause it to spring forth as wild mushrooms in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger Tabitha Moore, a sixth-generation Vermonter, is known for being outspoken about racial injustice, particularly in Rutland County, where she lives and leads a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Oft-quoted by media outlets, Moore has spoken at events around the state protesting the killing of George Floyd by…

On Aug. 31,the Everyone Eats program in Rutland handed out 250 meals in about a half hour at the The Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC). VFFC is coordinating the statewide program in Rutland County, handling the distribution of up to 22,000 meals beginning Monday Aug. 31, and running through Dec. 18. Meals will be prepared…

Killington Resort partners with  VFFC to give 700 bags of local foods and produce to community members in need Killington Resort announced on Aug. 26, a Farm-to-Trunk community grocery giveaway happening on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 3-6 p.m., or until all 700 bags have been given away, at Pico Mountain. The 100% locally sourced grocery…

By Brooke Geery Much like their winter brethren, mountain bikers are a hardy sort. They’re not going to let a little thing like a global pandemic spoil all the fun. So, although the Bike Bum race series, normally held on Killington Resort’s network of trails, was not able to happen at the resort this year,…

By Katy Savage If you want to ski or ride at Okemo this winter you’ll have to make a reservation first. Vail Resorts, which owns Okemo, Mount Snow and Stowe along with 31 other resorts, released its winter operating plan on Aug. 27. Guests will be required to wear facial coverings at all times and…

UPDATE: Friday, Sept. 4: There are now 17 Covid-19 cases associated with the outbreak in Killington, including 11 people who attended the private party Aug. 19 and six from subsequent transmission. Two of the new cases had already been identified as close contacts, and were in quarantine, preventing further spread, according to State Epidemiologist Patsy…

Editor’s note: Leo Pond is a 14 year old political columnist from Chittenden, Vermont.  Leo Pond: What made you decide to run for governor? David Zuckerman: As I was contemplating whether to run or not I was really reflecting on the public service person I’ve been for the last 22 years and that I’ve always…

Killington Resort partners with Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) to expand food access with local products helping farms in the region and those facing food insecurity KILLINGTON—Killington Resort announced on Aug. 26, a farm-to-trunk community grocery giveaway happening on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., or until all 700 bags have been…

By Katy Savage A new residential care facility is coming to Mendon next month. Bhakta Care, LLC is opening Vista Senior Living at the former Cortina Inn with a total of 67 units. Manish Saxena, who is overseeing construction, said the owner, Ravi Bhakta, had thought of repurposing the inn for the past 4-5 years.…

Whiskey entrepreneur plans agriculture project POULTNEY— The Green Mountain College campus, which closed last year because of declining enrollment and financial challenges, has sold at auction for $4.55 million, much lower than the $20 million appraised value. Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of WhistlePig whiskey in Shoreham, had the winning bid on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Bhakta’s…

73 new facilities coupled with deregulation of in-home providers will add 10,000 openings By Erin Petenko and Lola Duffort/VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott plans to spend about $12 million in federal relief funds to dramatically expand child care capacity for school-aged children, including establishing regional child care hubs for students on remote learning days. The state estimates 10,300 students…

A recent incident involving bears in Wilmington should bring to the attention of those who rent out or manage property rentals in bear country that it is important to provide information about bears to renters so they can take the necessary measures to avoid encounters with bears, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. …

Women’s alpine World Cup to return to Killington Nov. 27-28, 2021 KILLINGTON–Killington Resort announced, Thursday, Aug. 20, that it will not be the host venue for the HomeLight Killington Cup race this year following a recent decision made jointly by the International Ski Federation, National Ski Associations and local organizing committees in Canada and the U.S.A to…